218 JOHN GIBSON
account of it. They were greatly pleased and often
returned to contemplate it. I began to introduce
the subject of Polychromy, saying that it would give
great charm to the effect of the statue. His
Lordship said, " Can it be removed afterwards ?"
I said, " You had better not try." He then turned
to her Ladyship and said, " Now you see, if you
want a work by this man, you must take it as he
chooses to turn it out, or not have it at all!" "I am
certain," said I, " that when this statue is seen in
England, adorned with classic elegance, it will be
run down, but that will be no proof that 1 am in
the wrong. I contend boldly for the colouring, the
effect of which I greatly admire, but I venture no
opinion as to the merits of my work. I leave this
to be decided by judges." The fact is I never have
been able to satisfy myself yet with any one work
which I have produced, for in my imagination there
is a degree of beauty which I am unable to reach.
On the front of the plinth of my Bacchus is the
following:
0 AIDS HATS AIONY202
I will now enter upon a subject of interest—a
subject which requires great judgment, knowledge,
and imagination. It is a national monument to the
Duke of Wellington. The following ideas were
the result of my meditations,